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| This might get lengthy so scroll on if not interested.
My wife has recently recovered from a year long health battle. One she hasn't much cared to share with many so I won't be real detailed about it but I was uncertain of her over coming it and I'm absolutely thankful we're on this side of the fight.
This brings me to where we are now the "next chapter."
Our oldest graduated mid term this year. Helping me with the feedlot and farm until next fall when he'll go to a trades school for 2 years. I wasn't real happy about him graduating early but he could see I was drowning in work as my wife typically was full time on the farm also before getting sick.
Our next is in the middle of high school. Our youngest twins in first grade.
My dad died when I was a teen. I took on the farm with the help of my then girlfriends dad(my father in law now).
This will be my 33rd crop that is my own. I'm turning 50 soon.
For the most part I feel like I'm in the prime of my life yet. Although if prime were a neon sign the PRI would be pretty dim but the ME would be burning bright.
Anyways one of my landlords has recently come to me with purchasing his farm on contract from him. It's a large farm, but he has good terms on it.
My wife and I had a conversation that night. About whether we should keep growing or decide to go stagnant. We have enough of an operation for our kids and for us to eventually retire comfortably. My wife is comfortable with whatever I decide and stated that I'm wired for growth but she wouldn't mind to see me in the recliner a few more nights a week.
10 years ago I would have signed an agreement that day, but I find myself hesitant now and it's really bothering me. Our debt to asset ratio is extremely favorable currently. This farm would change that some. But it really isn't even the finances that scare
me it's the point of life I'm at that I can't decide if I keep trudging ahead full speed or I decide to slow down and enjoy life more.
For 33 years I've been full speed building our operation. Every year that I could afford to do so I improved something.... a building, concrete, buying a farm or at least improving a farm with tile or dirt work.
I've decided when i load the last of the fat cattle this fall I'll sit the feed yard empty until my son comes back home. The price to fill the feedyard, and not wanting my wife to help on the feed yard made this decision for me. The thought of going stagnant on the operation has my head in a tizzy. I can't picture what I'd focus my mental capacities on.
For those that have decided it's time to be comfortable in life with what you've accomplished how did you go about making that decision?
I think maybe I'll have to find a hobby. Spending more time at home will be different. I typically do my best bonding with the kids at the feedyard... that will change I guess | |
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"Sunset" years of life
